Journalist Iryna Slaunikava recognized as political prisoner


Belarusian human rights organizations have recognized Iryna Slaunikava as a political prisoner and demanded her release.

Journalist Iryna Slaunikava and her husband Alyaksandr Loika were detained at the Minsk National Airport on October 30, right after their return from vacation. At first, they were both sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest for alleged possession of “extremist materials.” Later they were accused of “disorderly conduct” and sentenced to another 15 days.

On November 26, it emerged that Iryna Slaunikava became a suspect under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (“Organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order or active participation in them”).

Human rights activists believe these actions against Iryna are a “continuation of the state policy to limit the spread of uncensored information in the country and the attack on freedom of speech.”

“We conclude that the real reason for prosecuting Iryna Slaunikava is political motivation to stop or change the nature of her public activities for legitimate purposes in connection with the non-violent exercise of the freedom of expression and information,” reads the statement.

The human rights activists demand the immediate release of Iryna Slaunikava and the termination of the criminal proceedings against her.

On November 29, Iryna’s husband, Alyaksandr Loika, was sentenced to a 15-day arrest for alleged “disobedience to police” for the third time.

belsat.eu

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